Can I withdraw all my funds from my bank account if I don't want to renew my Retirement Visa in Thailand?

@Nongnuch *******

the OP won't be extending and planning to bring back that 800k its simple to say you just need to declare if more than 15k usd....the OP will be the one going tru immigration will there be any unforseen surprise? I'm saying this for myself i won't be carrying that much cash tru immigration even its declared....yes they can't take away your money BUT they can bring u to a room and start asking questions and waste your time

@Greg **********

800k easily exceeds 15k usd...will he be stopped at the airport and immigration going tru his papers of declaration? Will that delay his flight home? Isn't it safer to send some money home and carry the amout that doesn't need declaration?

@Brandon ***********

fair enough. I only mentioned it because someone I know currently on the retirement visa told me that Bangkok Bank verifies that the required amount is still in your account 4 months before its time for visa renewal. And if the funds are below the threshold, they will notify immigration.

This discussion came about because I was asking if the funds just have to sit in that account, untouched, all year long. And that was what this person explained to me. That it would probably be safe to take out up to half of the required amount. But you better put it back 4 months before visa renewal.

I don’t know where he got that info. But I believe him to be a trusted resource. Meaning if he said it, he got it from somewhere reliable.

But do with that what you will.

@Robert *******

Thanks Robert.

@Jonnie ******

Thanks

@Brandon ***********

Thanks Brandon. Yes it would be over the counter withdrawal and not ATM.

@Jesper ******

his visa is valid for a full year. You don’t need to keep the money in the bank if you have no plan to renew

@Lim **********

Bangkok Bank is not involved. But if an extension has a bank balance requirement, technically that extension is invalid as of the moment that requirement is no longer being met.

Same concept as if you're on a work extension but stop working. If you're on a marriage extension but get divorced. Those end the moment the basis for the extension ends.

You should also have your family double check regarding their qualifications for Elite as they've notified people that were already approved that they now have to go through an extended background check which can add another 45 days.